Quoted:
I wonder if it wouldn't be more cost effective to just order $25 million of solid copper bullets that are turned on a lathe. Those would have a great BC and probably net at least 400m - 800m in effective range.

Quoted:


Was going through the .gov RFP and awards site when I came across this gem:



>>>

Extreme Accuracy Tactical Ordnance (EXACTO)

Program Manager: Mr. Lyndall Beamer

The objective of the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) program is to revolutionize rifle accuracy and range by developing the first ever guided small caliber bullet. The EXACTO 50- caliber round and optical sighting technology will more than double the day and nighttime range over current state-of-the-art sniper systems while allowing the sniper to prosecute moving targets even in high wind conditions, such as those commonly found in Afghanistan. Prosecution of these types of targets is impossible with current technology. This system will not only improve sniper effectiveness, but also enhance troop safety by allowing greater shooter standoff range and reduction in target engagement timelines. The system combines a maneuverable bullet and a real-time guidance system to track the target and deliver the projectile to target. Technology development includes the design and integration of aero-actuation controls, power sources, optical guidance systems, and sensors. The components must fit into the limited volume (2 cm to the third power) of a 50-caliber projectile and be designed to withstand a high acceleration environment.



DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has developed the EXACTO program, .50 caliber bullets complete with microprocessors and steering vanes that allow the bullet to adjust its trajectory mid-flight to stay on target when the flight path has been altered by uncontrollable variables.



Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, is being awarded a $25,446,843 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HR0011-09-C-0016).



The goal of the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system is to produce a guided, actively controlled 50-caliber sniper rifle system with significantly improved range and accuracy over the current systems. This modification awards Phase II of the effort, in which Teledyne will continue execution of the technology development assessment plan, and conduct detailed design, fabrication, and live fire test of the EXACTO prototype system. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (25.2 percent); Plymouth, Minn. (23.8 percent); Merrimack, N.H. (15.7 percent); Cambridge, Mass. (13.6 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10.3 percent); Phoenix, Ariz. (7.9 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (3.2 percent); and Livermore, Calif. (0.3 percent). The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 24, 2012. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity.

<<<<



The weapon itself with all attendent equipment is also not to weigh more then 46 pounds with all of its fire and forget tech.

Quoted:
California baby! Still want us to sink?

Quoted:


Yes

Quoted: California baby! Still want us to sink?  

Quoted:




'Nuther expert that should just shut the hell up.


By the way, EXACTO is not the first program for developing guided bullets, although I don't recall whether the diameter from the prior work.  Heck, my program can center punch the target within less than two calibers from miles away.   It won't make the weight limit, however.

Quoted:


Did I suggest I was an expert? No. Do I know a few things about .50 cal projectiles and military marksmanship that might make me wonder whether this is an effective use of money for what will likely be an incremental gain in effectiveness? Yes.

With 30,000 posts I'm sure I'm not the first person to tell you to keep your cock-holster shut. I'm sure I won't be the last.

Quoted:
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has developed the EXACTO program, .50 caliber bullets complete with microprocessors and steering vanes

Quoted:


I wonder if it wouldn't be more cost effective to just order $25 million of solid copper bullets that are turned on a lathe. Those would have a great BC and probably net at least 400m - 800m in effective range.

Quoted:







Over 3 decades ago, Vought Aerospace was working on a similar concept that steered the projectile by selectively firing tiny "squibs" arranged around the sides of the bullet.

Quoted:



When you write a post that illustrates your ignorance on factors that affect external ballistics, you should expect to be called on that ignorance.



I suggest you study the effects of a bullet's mass and shape on its flight.  Then get back to me if you think copper is a good choice.  Or not, I really don't care.  Just don't continue to blow bullshit unless you want to be called on it.

Quoted:
Was going through the .gov RFP and awards site when I came across this gem:

>>>
Extreme Accuracy Tactical Ordnance (EXACTO)
Program Manager: Mr. Lyndall Beamer
The objective of the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) program is to revolutionize rifle accuracy and range by developing the first ever guided small caliber bullet. The EXACTO 50- caliber round and optical sighting technology will more than double the day and nighttime range over current state-of-the-art sniper systems while allowing the sniper to prosecute moving targets even in high wind conditions, such as those commonly found in Afghanistan. Prosecution of these types of targets is impossible with current technology. This system will not only improve sniper effectiveness, but also enhance troop safety by allowing greater shooter standoff range and reduction in target engagement timelines. The system combines a maneuverable bullet and a real-time guidance system to track the target and deliver the projectile to target. Technology development includes the design and integration of aero-actuation controls, power sources, optical guidance systems, and sensors. The components must fit into the limited volume (2 cm to the third power) of a 50-caliber projectile and be designed to withstand a high acceleration environment.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has developed the EXACTO program, .50 caliber bullets complete with microprocessors and steering vanes that allow the bullet to adjust its trajectory mid-flight to stay on target when the flight path has been altered by uncontrollable variables.

Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, is being awarded a $25,446,843 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HR0011-09-C-0016).

The goal of the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system is to produce a guided, actively controlled 50-caliber sniper rifle system with significantly improved range and accuracy over the current systems. This modification awards Phase II of the effort, in which Teledyne will continue execution of the technology development assessment plan, and conduct detailed design, fabrication, and live fire test of the EXACTO prototype system. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (25.2 percent); Plymouth, Minn. (23.8 percent); Merrimack, N.H. (15.7 percent); Cambridge, Mass. (13.6 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10.3 percent); Phoenix, Ariz. (7.9 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (3.2 percent); and Livermore, Calif. (0.3 percent). The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 24, 2012. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity.
<<<<

The weapon itself with all attendent equipment is also not to weigh more then 46 pounds with all of its fire and forget tech.